Why Can You Crack Different Body Parts?

We’ve all had it happen before. Knees that crack when we stand up, a neck that pops when we move our head, and ankles that pop when we rotate them. Body parts cracking can be a loud and possibly unsettling sound, and it’s understandable that people might think something is wrong with them.

While the noise that our bodies make can be disrupting, it isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Below, we will briefly explain why our joints crack and what the different sounds often mean.

Continue reading below to learn more and discover how Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel in your body.

Why Do Different Body Parts Crack?

Popping, snapping, clicking, and grinding are some of the sounds made by our most frequently used joints. Many individuals don’t understand why joints pop and crack, making the experience a little confusing. Luckily, this is more interesting than you might believe.

These noises are known as “crepitus,” which comes from the Latin word “to rattle,” and can affect people of all ages. However, as you become older, you may find that your joints pop and crack more than they used to.

The most prevalent source of popping noises is air bubbles accumulating in joint gaps. This is due to the fact that the cartilage between your joints wears away over time, leaving a larger and more abrasive surface area to rub against. These noises are then caused by low pressure in the joint space which causes gases in the synovial fluid to form a gas cavity, which contains oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Fortunately, this isn’t a problem in and of itself. While it’s never a good idea for your bones to rub together, the popping sound indicates that there’s plenty of cartilage to keep you safe.

Even though joint popping appears to be excessive, it is only a problem if you experience discomfort as a result. Early-stage arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis, which can result in painful “popping” as the bones of the joint rub together, can all cause painful joint popping.

Schedule an Appointment with Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture Today

Joint popping is a relatively common phenomenon, and you’ve probably experienced it yourself. While there are a few instances where it could be a sign of a difficult-to-diagnose problem, these sounds are common and rarely signify an underlying issue.

If various body parts are frequently cracking or popping and you feel like there might be something more significant to what you are experiencing, allow the skilled experts at Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture to take a look.

At Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture, nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of you and your family. Our team of skilled experts is committed to giving our patients the natural, sensitive treatment they deserve to assist them in making the best decisions for their bodies and their future.

If your body is cracking more than usual and you want a second opinion from a professional, schedule an appointment to come see us at Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture today and learn more about how we can build a treatment plan that’s unique to you and your lifestyle.